Folded paper cd carrier

ABSTRACT

A protective carrier for compact disk (CD) or digital video disk (DVD) that is constructed of a folded single sheet of standard 8½×11-inch or A4-size paper or lightweight paperboard. The process of forming a CD carrier is accomplished in six folds. The first two folds are made inward along the longitudinal axis using fold lines ( 12 ) ( 18 ) to form two side edge portions ( 42 ) ( 46 ) and one central portion ( 47 ). Next, ear portions ( 48 ) ( 50 ) are folded inward at one end of the sheet along angular fold lines ( 22 ) ( 24 ). Next, a flap portion ( 52 ) is created by folding from the same end inward along the upper transverse fold line ( 14 ). Finally, a divisional fold is made inward along the lower transverse fold line ( 16 ). This results in an upper divisional portion ( 56 ) and a lower divisional portion ( 58 ). The top of the resulting lower divisional portion ( 58 ) aligns to approximately 1 millimeter lower than the upper transverse edge ( 54 ). A CD ( 60 ) is slid into the containment provided by the folded side edge portions and the lower transverse fold line comprising the bottom edge of the lower divisional portion. Finally, the flap is tucked between the CD and the outside surface of the lower divisional portion. The CD disk is securely held within the carrier without use of tape, adhesives, staples, clips, or any other auxiliary means.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSERED RESEARCH

[0002] Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

[0003] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a folded paperboard device for carrying compact discs, and means for making same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Compact discs, and digital video disks, which are commonly referred to as “CD's” and “DVD's” respectively are generally well known in the art, and herein referred to as “CD”. The commonly used CD's have a standard size of approximately one hundred twenty (120) mm in diameter.

[0006] Proliferation in computer technology has given rise to the use of CD's as a common storage, transportation, and presentation medium for data. Home computer users can now record and transport their own CD's for a wide variety of uses. Common uses of CD's include recording music, creating photo albums, distributing drawings, writings, poetry, and other forms of artistic expression, as well as sharing programs and making data backups. Transportation of CD's includes exchange among individuals as gifts, routing to individuals in the course of business, or for distribution for entertainment purposes.

[0007] Such technology proliferation has spurred high volume production of CD's, resulting in continual decline in the average cost of CD's. Such cost reduction has encouraged even greater usage of CD's for everyday computer data tasks, even to the point of ‘casual usage’ as disposable media. Further casual usage of CD's is expected as volumes increase and unit costs go down.

[0008] CD's are now commonly sold on spindles in quantities of 100 or more CD's without unit carriers of any kind. Users must purchase carriers separately. Most CD's are carried in a rigid plastic container or case. While such rigid containers are suitable for static, long-term storage of archival CD's, they are generally excessive and unnecessary for handling short-lived CD's, or for interim storage of CD's, or when space limitations preclude the use of such bulky containers. Additionally, plastic CD cases create a negative impact on the natural environment due to their origin from petroleum-based materials. This negative impact will certainly grow unless alternatives to plastic CD cases become available.

[0009] Furthermore, ordinary users cannot construct rigid cases upon demand. They are pre-manufactured items that must be acquired and stored for use. Consequently, their bulk contributes to significant space consumption whether or not they contain a CD.

[0010] Furthermore, if custom artwork or markings are desired to identify the contents of a rigid case, additional materials must be acquired and inserted into the case.

[0011] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for cost-effective yet secure packaging in which CD's can be stored, handled, and transported, that can be constructed by the user upon demand, that may be custom marked directly, and that may be disposed of cost-effectively and in an environmentally-friendly manner.

[0012] It is the principal object of the present invention to present a folded paper CD carrier that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages and provides the advantages of a secure container that can be custom marked using a standard computer printer or typewriter, is readily constructed from a single sheet of either standard U.S. Letter format (216×279 mm) or A4 (210'297 mm) paper or lightweight paperboard, and is completely disposable and recyclable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART

[0013] A variety of folded paper or paperboard CD carriers have been proposed in prior art.

[0014] By far the most relevant prior art is disclosed in Japan Pat. JP2002068356. This disclosure presents a method to make a CD container by folding A4-size paper. Though similar in scope to the present invention, the JP2002068356 disclosure is severely inferior to the present disclosure. First, JP2002068356 is restricted to the use of A4-size paper only. While A4 is an ISO standard, its use is limited and may not be as readily available upon demand as U.S. Letter format paper. As will be disclosed, the present invention is made from either U.S. Letter format or A4-sized paper. Secondly, the method presented in JP2002068356 is described in terms of Japanese origami symbolism and guidelines. Since this is a specialized skill and knowledge, the use of this disclosure is limited. Third, no detailed step-by-step instruction is provided in the disclosure, only a reference to a figure. The sequence interpreted from the figure is complex and difficult to manage, and the design is not intuitive. Fourth, the resulting container is vastly inferior to the present invention. The overall containment is weak and fragile as compared to the present invention. The portion created from folding line number 5 results in an undesirable condition whereby careless handling will result in loss of CD containment. Also, the containment is not complete. Portions of the CD are exposed to fingerprints and dust. And finally, JP2002068356 requires that graphics be applied at an angle relative to the direction of feed into a computer printer. Graphics applied at an angle to the direction of feed into a computer printer will not be optimal. This is inferior to the present invention, which allows printing of graphics in the direction of feed into a computer printer.

[0015] Other folded paper CD carriers that use no glue or adhesive have limited application. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,241,085 and 6,398,024, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 2001/0020593 all show folded paperboard carriers that rely on rings of a binder to provide secure containment of one or more CD's. This reliance causes limitation for their application, which is solely intended for binder use. Furthermore, the designs do not completely envelop the CD, thereby exposing the contained CD to fingerprints, abrasion, etc. The majority of prior art folded paper CD carriers rely on adhesives, tape, slots and tabs, or auxiliary members to provide secure containment.

[0016] For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,419,433 and 5,421,453 show paperboard CD carriers that are glued and rely on a separate plastic insert. U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,434 shows a folded paperboard carrier that must be glued together and uses auxiliary members for CD containment. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,333 shows a folded paperboard CD carrier that relies on adhesives and multiple members to provide CD containment.

[0017] Folding sheet blanks into CD carriers has been described in prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,482 shows CD packaging made from a blank of foldable sheet material, preferably cardboard. However, this invention requires attaching means and is comprised of a custom die cut sheet with slots and tabs. Japan Pat. JP2002068354 shows a CD case made of paper. Here again, the requirement is a blank that is custom die cut, as well as the use of adhesives. In DE10040567 we are shown a storage package from a single paper sheet that requires adhesive as well as a custom cut slit to achieve CD containment. Unfortunately, the CD is partially exposed, therefore risking damage from fingerprints, abrasion, etc. U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,985 describes a package that is folded and adhered to form a CD pocket. This design relies on a custom die cut form and adhesive to provide containment. Furthermore, a portion of the contained CD is exposed to damage.

[0018] Other prior art folded paper CD carriers are intended for a specific, rather than general, purpose. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,068,117 and 6,126,201 show folded paperboard carriers that are intended for insertion into books. These also rely on adhesives and auxiliary members for their functionality.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—OBJECT AND ADVANTAGES

[0019] Unfortunately, none of prior art successfully solves the objectives of the present invention.

[0020] First, none of the prior art describes a robust, general-purpose folded paper CD carrier that can be made upon demand from a single piece of readily available material. However, the present invention originates as a standard U.S. Letter format or A4-size sheet of paper or paperboard. This conveys a readily available and inexpensive means of providing basic protection against damage resulting from fingerprints, light scratches, dust, and ultraviolet light. The present invention can be pre-made or may be constructed by a user following simple instructions when the need arises. Also, the present invention is made from such a low cost and highly recyclable material that it can be considered a disposable item when no longer needed.

[0021] Second, none of the prior art describes a robust, general-purpose folded paper CD carrier that can be custom printed by the user. However, since the present invention is made from paper or paperboard of a standard size, it may be fed through an ordinary computer printer prior to use. The present invention may be pre-marked by the user with custom graphics for gift giving, content display, or other commercial applications. This opens up many new potential uses for a CD carrier based on the present invention.

[0022] Third, none of the prior art describes a robust, general-purpose folded paper CD carrier that is constructed from standard sized paper using no adhesives, tape, slots or tabs, auxiliary members, or specialized skills to provide secure containment. This benefit provides the opportunity for users to construct the present invention without tools or auxiliary means.

SUMMARY

[0023] In accordance with the present invention a folded paper CD carrier comprised of a flat paper or paperboard blank of an approximate dimension of either 216×279 millimeters (U.S. Letter format) or 210×297 millimeters (A4-size) that is folded in such a way as to form a secure containment for a CD.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] In the course of the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like parts and wherein:

[0025]FIG. 1 is a folded paper CD carrier constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 2a depicts a standard U.S. Letter format blank of paper or paperboard with pre-defined fold locations.

[0027]FIG. 2b depicts the opposing side of the standard U.S. Letter format blank of paper or paperboard with pre-defined fold locations.

[0028]FIG. 3a depicts a standard A4-size blank of paper or paperboard with pre-defined fold locations.

[0029]FIG. 3b depicts the opposing side of the standard A4-size blank of paper or paperboard with pre-defined fold locations.

[0030]FIGS. 4a to 4 c show the blank with longitudinal folds.

[0031]FIGS. 5a to 5 c show the blank with angular ear folds.

[0032]FIGS. 6a to 6 c show the blank with a flap fold.

[0033]FIGS. 7a to 7 c show the blank with a divisional fold.

[0034]FIGS. 8a to 8 d show insertion of a CD between folded portions of lower divisional portion.

[0035]FIGS. 9a and 9 b show the flap portion tucked between the CD and the outside surface of the lower divisional portion. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 10 U.S. Letter format blank 12 longitudinal fold line for forming first side edge portion 14 transverse fold line for 16 transverse fold line for forming flap portion forming divisional sections 18 longitudinal fold line for 22 angular fold line for forming second forming first ear side edge portion portion 24 angular fold line for 26 A4-sized blank forming second ear portion 42 first side edge portion 46 second side edge portion 47 central portion 48 first ear portion 50 second ear portion 52 flap portion 54 upper transverse edge 56 upper divisional portion 58 lower divisional portion 60 CD

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0036] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The illustration depicts a folded paper CD carrier containing a CD.

[0037]FIGS. 2a to 3 b illustrate the origination of the present invention from a single rectangular sheet of paper or paperboard with approximate dimensions of 216×279 millimeters (U.S. Letter format) or 210×297 millimeters (A4).

[0038]FIGS. 2a and 3 a are front views 10 26 that include dimensional locations of longitudinal fold lines 12 18, an upper transverse fold line 14, and a lower transverse fold line 16. FIGS. 2b and 3 b are rear views that include locations of angular fold lines 22.

[0039] The sheet may be comprised of a variety of paper types and thicknesses, such as ordinary computer printer paper or light card stock. Furthermore, all dimensions given in the figures are approximate.

[0040] The process of forming a CD carrier is accomplished in six folds. The first two folds are made inward along the longitudinal axis using fold lines 12 18 to form two side edge portions 42 46 and one central portion 47. Folds should be made crisp and accurate as indicated in FIGS. 4a to 4 c.

[0041] Next, ear portions 48 50 are folded inward at one end of the sheet along angular fold lines 22 24. Folds should be made crisp and accurate as indicated in FIGS. 5a to 5 c.

[0042] Next, a flap portion 52 is created by folding from the same end inward along the upper transverse fold line 14. This also results in creation of the upper transverse edge 54. FIGS. 6a to 6 c depict creation of the flap.

[0043]FIGS. 7a to 7 c depict a final divisional fold made inward along the lower transverse fold line 16. This results in an upper divisional portion 56 and a lower divisional portion 58. The top of the resulting lower divisional portion aligns to approximately 1 millimeter lower than the upper transverse edge.

[0044] Assuming the aforementioned preferred embodiment, the present invention is now ready for use.

[0045] Operation of the Invention

[0046] Usage of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 8a to 8 d and FIGS. 9a and 9 b. To begin, a CD 60 is inserted between the folded side edge portions 42 46 contained in the lower divisional portion 58. To afford the greatest protection, the CD should be inserted with its label side facing the outside surface of the lower divisional portion, and its data side facing the upper divisional portion 56 as shown in FIG. 8a. The CD is slid into the containment provided by the folded side edge portions and the lower transverse fold line 16 comprising the bottom edge of the lower divisional portion as shown in FIGS. 8b to 8 d. Finally, the flap 52 is tucked between the CD and the outside surface of the lower divisional portion as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9 b.

[0047] Complete containment of the CD is accomplished when the flap is in position as indicated in FIG. 9b.

[0048] Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope of the Invention

[0049] Accordingly, it has been shown that a suitable CD carrier can be constructed from a single sheet of paper or paperboard with a standard size of approximately 216×279 millimeters (U.S. Letter format) or 210×297 millimeters (A4). It has been further shown that this CD carrier is made by following simple instructions, without using tools or specialized equipment.

[0050] The present invention provides additional advantages in that:

[0051] (a) it permits creation of a CD carrier demonstrating a variety of colors and patterns;

[0052] (b) it permits creation of a CD carrier with a variety of applied graphics by printing of the sheet prior to construction;

[0053] (c) it permits creation of a CD carrier that is of such basic and cost effective material that it may be readily discarded and recycled when longer of use.

[0054] Furthermore, while it may be obvious to use paper or paperboard to construct a CD carrier, and it is obvious that a flat paper or paperboard blank can be folded into a variety of shapes, it is not obvious that a standard-sized sheet can be folded in such a novel method as to create a pocket for a CD as well as a securing flap that taken together form a containment that completely encloses a CD without use of tape, adhesive, or other auxiliary means. 

I claim:
 1. A CD carrier of the type being formed from a unitary rectangular blank of foldable sheet material.
 2. The CD carrier of claim 1 wherein said unitary rectangular blank is folded along fold lines disposed parallel to longitudinal edges of said rectangular blank to an inward position forming a first side edge portion, a central portion, and a second side edge portion, wherein said unitary rectangular blank is folded at first corner comprising said first side edge portion and said central portion to an inward position along a fold line angularly disposed relative to said corner forming first ear portion, wherein said unitary rectangular blank is folded at second corner comprising said second side edge portion and said central portion to an inward position along a fold line angularly disposed relative to said corner forming second ear portion, wherein said unitary rectangular blank is folded along a fold line disposed parallel to the transverse edge of said unitary rectangular blank to an inward position to form a flap portion, wherein said unitary rectangular blank is folded along a fold line disposed parallel to the transverse edge of said unitary rectangular blank to an inward position to form upper and lower divisional portions.
 3. The CD carrier of claim 2 comprising a first means for CD containment by insertion of said CD between said first and second side edge portions comprised in said lower divisional portion, and incorporation of said flap portion between said CD and the outside surface of said lower divisional portion.
 4. The CD carrier of claim 3 wherein said first means of CD containment is accomplished without use of adhesives, staples, clips, or other auxiliary means.
 5. The CD carrier of claim 1 wherein said unitary rectangular blank is made of paper or paperboard.
 6. The CD carrier of claim 1 wherein said unitary rectangular blank may be customized with applied graphics by using a standard computer printer to apply said graphics.
 7. A method to contain and protect a CD, comprising: providing a unitary rectangular blank of foldable sheet material, folding said unitary rectangular blank along fold lines disposed parallel to longitudinal edges of said rectangular blank to an inward position forming a first side edge portion, a central portion, and a second side edge portion, whereby said first side edge portion and said second side edge portion have approximately the same width, folding said unitary rectangular blank at first corner comprising said first side edge portion and said central portion to an inward position along a fold line angularly disposed relative to said corner forming first ear portion, folding said unitary rectangular blank at second corner comprising said second side edge portion and said central portion to an inward position along a fold line angularly disposed relative to said corner forming second ear portion, folding said unitary rectangular blank along a fold line disposed parallel to the transverse edge of said unitary rectangular blank to an inward position to form a flap portion, folding said unitary rectangular blank along a fold line disposed parallel to the transverse edge of said unitary rectangular blank to an inward position forming lower and upper divisional portions, inserting said CD between said first side edge portion and said second side edge portion comprised in said lower divisional portion, and incorporating said flap portion between said CD and the outside surface of said lower divisional portion so that said CD is contained.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein said CD is contained without use of adhesives, staples, clips, or other auxiliary means.
 9. The method of claim 7 wherein said unitary rectangular blank is made of paper or paperboard.
 10. The method of claim 7 wherein said unitary rectangular blank may be customized with applied graphics by using a typical computer printer to apply said graphics. 